Devon is awash with new and exciting sports and activities to make your holiday truly memorable so whether its a relaxing afternoon paddle boarding and exploring the hidden gems of the Devonshire coastline or you prefer to get your thrills by strapping up and exploring the many challenging climbing routes that Dartmoor has to offer, we’ve put together a list of our top five and some recommended companies to get you started.

This is not an exhaustive list by any stretch of the imagination, but it’s based on our experiences of recommendations from others.

• Surfing is a popular sport on the North Devon and Cornwall coast. Some of the best surfing places in the UK can be found here. Why not have a beginners lesson or improve your skill. The popular beaches of Saunton, Croyde, Westward Ho and Woolacombe are all a short drive away. Sandymouth and Bude in Cornwall are a similar distance. There are many hire places for wet suits and equipment and schools for lessons.
• Stand Up Paddleboarding has become a popular sport. It is a great way to see nature on the River Torridge or the coves around the coast. I can recommend surfsupacademy at Westward Ho having had a beginners lesson with them on the River Torridge.
• Coasteering is becoming a popular sport. It is a great way to see the rugged coastline and have an adrenaline fuelled activity. A place to book lessons for this is cornishroctors.com in Port Gaverne.
• Wild swimming – why not escape to Dartmoor and find a beautiful spot for a swim. Or go on a guided swim around Port Gaverne. There is a Wild Guide to the South West in the cottage with places to go for a wild swim.
• Climbing – there is a great indoor climbing wall in South Molton. Why not have a climbing or navigation lesson on Dartmoor with an experienced instructor from Climb South West.